Penalty technique inspired by Neymar, Mario Balotelli, says Harry Kane

Bayern Munich and England forward Harry Kane has revealed that he has made tactical changes to his penalty technique after taking notes from Neymar and Mario Balotelli. The lanky striker revealed he used to focus more on power and accuracy, but now keeps an eye on the goalkeeper to gauge his move.

“There’s quite a few players over the years who have taken penalties like that,” the Bayern Munich forward told TNT Sports Brasil.

“I think [some players] pop into my head, [Mario] Balotelli was like this, Neymar was like this. There have been players that wait for the keeper before they hit it. That was never something I used to do, I used to go for more power and precision.”

Meanwhile, Kane had missed a penalty against France in the quarterfinal clash of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, smashing the kick over the bar and wide. Kane had scored earlier from a spot kick in the second half.

“When I missed that penalty in the World Cup I felt like there was something that I can change, especially if you take two penalties in a game,” he said. “It’s something I wanted to try to improve on. Thankfully, it’s been good since.”

Kane has scored 34 goals in 41 games across all competitions for league leaders Bayern Munich this season.

Kane has netted 23 goals and has converted all of his nine penalties in the Bundesliga.

“I’m always trying to find little ways to get better,” he said. “That [penalty taking] is one of them. For sure it’s helped my penalties since. I’m obviously on a good run. I just have to keep doing what I’m doing.”

Bayern Munich will take on Inter Milan in the second leg of the quarterfinal of the Champions League on Wednesday night. The German side had lost the first leg by 2-1 despite playing at home.